Awards

Detachment 770 at Clemson University has received recognition for excellence at the state, regional and national level on multiple occasions. For the last five consecutive years, the Air Force Association has named Detachment 770 as the “Outstanding AFROTC Detachment” for South Carolina. The Air Force Association is an independent, nonprofit, civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. The complete article regarding the accomplishment can be viewed here: Clemson Air Force ROTC named top unit in South Carolina fifth straight year. Det 770 has won the “Outstanding AFROTC Detachment” for South Carolina for years 2005-2007, 2009, 2011-2015.

In 1984 and 2007 Det 770 was named No. 1 in the nation, winning the Right of Line Award for medium size detachment. This prestigious award is presented each year to the top small, medium and large detachments throughout the nation. In recent years, Det 770 has competed in the large detachment category and consistently ranks in the top 25% for fitness and academic (GPA) scores nationally.

In 2006 and 2007, DET 770 was named the Most Outstanding Air Force ROTC Detachment in the Southeast Region; the honor, known as the High Flight Award, is presented each year to one detachment in each of three size categories of small, medium and large: Read the article here: Clemson Air Force ROTC detachment named best in Southeast Region.

Det 770 also competes well in head-to-head athletic competitions against rival schools. In 2013 and 2015, cadets from Det 770 claimed first place overall in the Notre Dame Flyin’ Irish Basketball Tournament Det 770 also finished the tournament with a final four appearance in 2014. Read more about the achievements of Det 770’s basketball team here: Air Force ROTC wins 29th Annual Flyin’ Irish Basketball Tournament. In 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Det 770 has claimed victory in GAMA Cup, a regional sports competition that promotes morale, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and leadership among its competitors in the Southeast Region of Air Force ROTC.

Cadets at Det 770 gain leadership skills with involvement in various military related student organizations. Clemson’s Company C-4 of the Pershing Rifle Drill Team has won six national titles at drill competitions for the Pershing Rifles. Comprised of Air Force ROTC cadets, as well as cadets from other service ROTC programs and civilian students alike, this team has become synonymous with excellence in drill, and they are a fixture as the color guard unit at Clemson University sporting events.

Air Force ROTC Detachment 770’s Rudolf Anderson Squadron of Arnold Air Society (AAS) is a professional, honorary service organization of Air Force ROTC cadets from 145 Detachments around the nation. Det 770’s Rudolf Anderson Squadron was selected to host the national headquarters staff for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Clemson’s Scabbard and Blade K-Company is comprised of Army and Air Force cadets competitively selected to join the professional development society based on academics, fitness, and leadership qualities. In 2015, K-Company was named as the “Company of the Year” from a nation-wide competition of Scabbard and Blade Companies, a first for the newly revamped national organization.